Why Is My Tap Water Cloudy?
Cloudy or milky water can have several causes — trapped air (harmless), high turbidity from sediment, hard water minerals, or bacterial contamination. Identifying the cause is critical before choosing a solution.
Common Causes
- Trapped air bubbles (harmless — clears from bottom up)
- Turbidity from sediment, clay, or particulate matter
- Hard water minerals creating a hazy appearance
- Bacterial contamination (rare but serious)
- Disturbed sediment in private well or distribution lines
The Fix
If the cloudiness clears within a couple of minutes, trapped air is the usual explanation. Persistent cloudiness warrants testing. Depending on the cause, sediment filtration, whole-house filtration, or UV disinfection may be appropriate. ClearFlow tests your water to identify the cause first.
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